Andy Case, Principal:
I began my aquarium design career at age four when I designed, installed, and operated my first aquarium facility, in my bright red Radio Flyer wagon, and I’ve continued to improve my skills ever since. After completing a degree in biology, I joined the Monterey Bay Aquarium in 1988.

Since then, I have developed my skills in animal husbandry, living exhibit design, including life support, tank fabrication, animal acquisition, lighting, and the dynamics of inter-disciplinary development teams. I have been the primary biological point person on more than 12 special exhibitions featuring animals and themes from around the world’s oceans, rivers and streams with budgets of up to $3 million. In 1996, I coordinated and supervised the multiple living components of a $60 million aquarium expansion. From 2001-2004 I managed the husbandry aspects of a $10 million remodeling project for the aquarium.

As a founder and principal of Tenji, Inc. I’ve led the development of husbandry systems and solutions for projects around the world, from across the U.S. to Central and South America and Japan.

Since my first aquarium, in that old red wagon, my passion has remained the same: creating new, innovative and effective designs for the care and display of living aquatic communities and organisms.

Mark Faulkner, Principal:
I became passionate about aquarium keeping while working on my degree in business management. Spurred by my interest I went on to earn a second degree in marine biology, joining the Monterey Bay Aquarium upon my graduation.

During my years at the aquarium, I’ve gained hands-on experience and knowledge working with everything from sea otters to jellies, and have developed special techniques for the maintenance and display of freshwater plants and living corals. The work of designing and constructing cutting-edge exhibits from the ground up has honed my skills in creating naturalistic aquascapes and designing auxiliary life- support systems.

As a founder and principal of Tenji, I combine my business expertise with my background in biology to plan and manage projects so our clients get cutting-edge living exhibits on time and on budget.

Edward Seidel, Principal:
Working on marine fisheries projects as a Peace Corps volunteer in a remote Philippine village, I never imagined a career in aquariums. I had just finished a degree in biology (with a minor in art) and had made plans to attend graduate school and pursue a career in research once I’d finished my Peace Corps duties. But after a magazine article about the Monterey Bay Aquarium found its way to my hut, I committed myself to a career in aquariums—where science and art join in the creation of effective, reliable husbandry systems and visually appealing living displays.

I’ve developed a broad base of experience during my 10 years at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. I served as lead biologist during the development the world’s first major exhibition of deep-sea life. In that role, I spearheaded the development of new husbandry techniques and life-support systems for deep-sea animals. (And in the process, I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to visit incredible deep-sea habitats in California, Hawaii and Japan). I have gone on to earn a Master’s degree in deep-sea biology.

As a founder and principal of Tenji, Inc., I blend science and art in developing exhibits that combine fine aesthetics with innovative husbandry techniques.

Rick Leach, Shop Manager
As a 1984 graduate of the California Maritime Academy, Rick began his marine engineering career sailing on commercial ships as an officer in the U.S. Merchant Marine. Working in both sea-going and shore-side positions, he’s gained experience on everything from tankers, research vessels and
live-aboard dive boats to hospitals, universities and other large building complexes.

Rick brings to Tenji over thirteen years of experience operating and maintaining marine animal life-support systems from his tenure at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Utilizing his unique background and experience, Rick is always in pursuit of elegant, efficient solutions for the often perplexing, always unique installations that Tenji is known for.



Nick Block
Since I was a kid, I have always dabbled in the aquarium field. So naturally when I was told I had to graduate from Humboldt State and get a job, I figured I would get paid to play with aquariums. Armed with a Biology degree and a letter of recommendation, I landed an Assistant Aquarist position at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. In this job I learned, grew in skills, and met all kinds of great people including the current owners of Tenji. After awhile at the Aquarium, my wonderful wife and I began a world wind trip to the Virgin Islands, Seattle, Hawaii and Los Angeles, where I held positions in public aquariums and private companies associated with the aquarium business. After three years of this, the Tenji crew invited me back to the city where I started.

I have always loved to design habitats that are not only natural and dynamic, but also artistic and beautiful. I like to design aquariums that make people stop and stare. I like it when their first reaction is quiet amazement and intrigue as they absorb the nature of something new. I always try to incorporate depth into everything I accomplish. I want the observer to see one thing with a quick glance and to see something completely different if they spend hours with the exhibit. I want there to be constant surprises around every rock, plant, piece of wood or animal. To have an exhibit that is always engaging is something truly amazing.